Tried to get this chapter out as soon as I could!

Warning: There's a part here that leads to (almost) rape.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Chapter 4: Queen of the Kingdom

One month later~~

Caroline stood from the tower overlooking the preparations for her coronation. She still couldn't believe she was to become Queen of England in less than a few hours. She was nervous, still convinced that the people would never truly accept her.

A knock at the door jolted her from her reverie. "Caroline," the woman called out.

"Rebekah, what can I do for you?" She asked the other blonde.

"Nik's a bit busy at the moment and asked me to check on you."

Caroline frowned at her answer. "Busy. He's probably shagging up another one of his whore," she muttered sarcastically.

Rebekah quirked her eyebrow at the blonde's snide remarks. She didn't want to ask her what she meant. Nik can solve his problems himself, the blonde mused. "How are you feeling?"

"Nervous. What if they don't like me?"

"Even I'm starting to grow fond of you, that's saying a lot. I'm sure the people will adore you."

Caroline gave her a meek smile. "Thanks."

"It's as grand as my brother's coronation," the other blonde commented looking at the festive decorations.

Klaus was crowned King of England a fortnight ago. His coronation was a huge historic event where almost all of the people came to celebrate their new king. It was her turn now.

"Where are the king and queen?" Caroline asked referring to Mikael and Esther. Caroline had been called upon the queen Esther frequently due to her earlier request. The Scottish princess still had doubts and couldn't give the queen a definitive answer.

Flashback:

"My child, have you given much thought to my proposal?" Esther asked Caroline a few days later.

"I did, your majesty," she started. "I don't think I can do it."

"Nonsense. You have to; it's your duty! I'm certain your parents are thinking the same. As a queen, you need to provide a child for the king."

"I understand. I would provide a child but not with another man."

"Don't be silly. Niklaus is not capable of procreating. I'll find a man suitable for this," Esther told the princess dismissively.

"Give me more time," the princess pleaded. "Let me have a talk with my husband first."

"There's no need to. My son is coming in right now." Just on cue, Klaus pushed open the closed doors.

"Mother," Klaus greeted grimly. He had no doubt Esther was up to something.

"Good Niklaus. I would like to have a word with you."

Klaus nodded, urging his mother to continue.

"I was telling Caroline here that she need's to carry an heir for the kingdom. We know the only way for that to happen is for her to sleep with another man. I believe adultery in this case is acceptable, what do you think?"

"Sure," he shrugged unconcerned. "I don't really care."

Caroline looked at Klaus disbelievingly. She had been tormented by this proposal for the past few days and suffering from lack of sleep because of it while Klaus honestly didn't even care. She was stupid to think that it would mean something to him. "Alright, I'll do it," she spoke.

"Lovely. I'll start making arrangements," Esther smiled dismissing the both of them.

End of Flashback

"Don't worry about them. They'll be gone really soon," the English princess smirked.

"He's going to kill them," she said without emotion. Caroline was slowly growing accustomed to her husband's crude and vile ways. She knew that nothing she said was going to change his mind. He was an arrogant King. He did as he pleases.

"You know, you should be grateful my brother seems taken in you."

"What are you talking about?"

"He threatened Kol and me because of you."

"Don't worry. It's not because he likes me. My existence still has some value to him."

The princess shook her head. "I don't think so. It seems more than that."

"I can assure you it's not," Caroline answered thinking about the arrangement the queen had set up. "You have no idea how wrong you are."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"You look beautiful, my dear," Liz smiled cupping her daughter's cheek.

"Thanks, mother. I'm glad you're here. You too father," she faced her parents.

Bill and Liz Forbes had travelled five days to London for their daughter's coronation.

"I'm so proud of you," Bill told his daughter. He still felt guilty for sending her daughter away. "I'm so sorry for putting you into this."

"It's okay father. I know you're doing this for our family and our kingdom."

"Come here," he pulled his only daughter into a tight hug.

"You didn't have to come all the way for this though. You must be tired."

"We wouldn't missed it for the world sweetie."

"Your Majesty, it's time," one of her ladies curtsied.

Liz planted a kiss on her forehead. "Go, we'll talk later." Liz felt a tear slipped, watching her daughter proceed to be crowned the next queen. "We did it, honey. We raised a beautiful and strong daughter."

"I know," Bill smiled taking his wife's hand to join the coronation.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Caroline waited behind the closed doors. She was starting to get nervous. Her heartbeat grew faster, her stomach felt queasy, and her palms began to sweat. When she was finally called to enter, she put on her best smile and graciously walked towards the bishop on the stage.

The Scottish princess was a natural. She charmed the crowd, smiling warmly at people and replying to their good wishes.

She was dressed in gold, right down to her shoes, and with the scepter in one hand and orb in the other where she proceed to sit on her throne. The ceremony was lavish and before she knew it, she was crowned Queen of England.

"Congratulations love," Klaus breathed into her ear.

"Thank you," she replied, linking her arms with his as they made their way to their thrones.

The celebratory ceremony for her coronation was exquisite and luxurious. Many people attended it. Some even travelled from the countryside to witness the event.

Caroline sat on her new throne surveying her subjects. A lot of people came forward to congratulate her and Caroline was more than willing to converse with them. It was a tremendous success.

There were dances and even music to celebrate the grand occasion. Caroline was enjoying herself, despite Klaus not paying much attention to her. There were a few lords that even asked her for a dance. "Go and enjoy yourself," he nodded, when the first lord came to ask for her hand. She was relieved that it was easy to mingle with her subjects. She was truly enjoying her conversation with a circle of people when Esther came up to her.

"Caroline, my dear, I would like to introduce you to Lord Matthew," the former queen interrupted her conversation with one of the dukes.

"Hey there," Caroline smiled. "Nice to see you again."

"You two know each other?" Esther asked seeing their interaction.

"Just once. He was the person who showed me around when I first got here," Caroline explained.

"Your Majesty," Lord Donovan bowed. "It's my pleasure to be at your service."

"Excellent. I've instructed Matt here to visit you tonight. I hope that's alright?"

Caroline glanced at her husband sitting on the throne briefly, only to find it empty. Where did he go, she thought. "Alright," she answered with tentatively.

"Good," Esther clasped her hands together, content with the outcome. "You're doing the right thing."

Caroline nodded.

"I'll leave the both of you alone then."

He watched the former queen's retreating figure before speaking. "If I may, you looked radiant, your Majesty," Matt took her hand and placed a light kiss.

"Thank you. You're too kind, Lord Matthew."

"Join me for a dance please?" Matt offered her his hand.

"Of course," the new queen gladly took his hand and followed him to the crowded dance floor.

Despite his gentlemanly appearance, Matt Donovan was a terrible dancer. Caroline winced as he accidently stepped her foot for the fifth time in three dances. She was beyond relief when her mother came up to her to continue their earlier conversation.

"I'll see you later then, your majesty," Lord Matthew bowed.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"Is this necessary honey?" Liz asked watching her daughter closing the doors to an empty room. "We could have easily talked in there."

"It's too noisy. Anyways, I needed some space."

"Is everything alright? You sound tired sweetie."

"I'm fine just a bit overwhelmed by everything."

"You're the Queen of England. It'll get harder than this," Liz chided.

"I know," Caroline replied quietly. "I'm fine mum, really."

Liz looked unconvinced. "Are you with child?"

"W..what?" Caroline asked shocked that her mother would come to that conclusion.

"I said, are you with child?"

"No," Caroline shook her head vigorously.

"Are you sure? Weariness and fatigue tends to be signs of pregnancy."

"I'm positive mummy," she replied. "I can't possibly be pregnant. He hadn't even touched me," she added under her breath.

"What did you say?"

"Oh, nothing."

"Have you seen a physician yet? Just to make sure."

"I'm serious mum. I'm not carrying an heir."

"Okay," Liz relented but she was not going to drop the subject that easily. "Have you made plans though? I'm sure Esther has already told you how vital a child is for the kingdom and your position."

"Yes, she did."

"So when can I expect my grandson or granddaughter?"

"Mother, it's not like that. I'm still very young," Caroline tried.

"Don't be silly, child. You're of aged, moreover married to the king. I was already pregnant with you when I was your age," Liz countered.

"Mother," she said exasperatedly. "Give me some time. I don't want a child now."

"It's not just about you sweetie. Have you spoken to the king about this?" Taking her daughter's silence as an answer, the Scottish queen continued, "Caroline you need to produce an heir. What if the king tires of you? Or worst what if a bastard child surfaces instead?"

"I really don't want to talk about this," Caroline looked away.

"Caroline, listen to me…"

"Mum," Caroline cut her mum off before she could go on with the dreadful lecture. "I've got everything under control."

"Are you sure? He hasn't gotten any mistresses so soon has he? You're young, you would have no difficulties conceiving."

Caroline stepped forward to look at her mother directly in the eye. "I'm serious mother. Don't worry about it."

With a deep sigh, the Scottish queen backed down. "Alright. Just be careful."

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Caroline was leaning against her balcony staring at the reflection of the moon, when a knock drew her out from her thoughts. "Come in."

"Your Majesty," Matt bowed walking in.

Caroline nodded trying desperately to hide her nervousness. Esther had enlisted Bonnie's help for this. Under the instructions and assistance of her best friend, Caroline had taken a relaxing lavender bath and was just dressed in simple and revealing nightgown. She had draped a shawl to hide some of her skin. She was once again hesitant to pursuit this. What if they lied to her and prosecute her for adultery. The thought itself sent shivers down her spine.

"Are you alright Your Majesty?" Matt asked standing before her and bravely wrapping his arms around her waist.

"W..what are you doing?" She stuttered while using her strength to pry his hands away.

"There's no need to fear. I know what I'm doing," the lord breathed in her ear.

Caroline shuddered, not feeling comfortable being in such close proximity with a man.

"Come," he unwrapped his arms to hold hers, guiding her back to her bed.

Despite her wariness, the queen followed his lead. She stumbled back on her bed as he climbed atop of her. She was having an internal turmoil. There was no turning back if I go through with it. She knew everything she had cherished so far would be gone if she didn't stop now. I can't do this,' she decided.

Matt was already removing the strings to her nightgown when she came to her decision. "Stop," she pushed his hands away from her chest.

The lord did not listen and continue with a bit more force on his task.

"My lord, I mean it. Stop," she tried prying his hands off her.

The queen was growing anxious when he didn't bulged. It was as if he was hypnotized. Fuck! Esther must have compelled him, she concluded. With as much strength as she could muster, she pushed Matt off her and scrambled quickly to the other end of the room.

"Don't be afraid," he cooed taking large steps towards her.

"Get away from me Matthew," she commanded wrapping her shawl more securely around her body. "You're not in your right mind. You need to snap out of it."

The lord ignored her and continued advancing until he was standing right before her. "It will be alright," he whispered, tugging on her shawl.

"No," she shouted. "Don't touch me. Please. You'll regret this if you do," she tried reaching out to him.

"I have do this," he told her.

"No, you don't," she scrambled past him to the other corner.

"Come on, let's not make this difficult," he approached her slowly.

"Stay where you are. If you come any closer, I'll scream," she warned him.

Matt continued advancing towards her despite a tiny voice telling him not to. He had no control of his actions.

"Guards," the queen shouted. Caroline waited impatiently for the guards to come. 'Please please please hear me,' she silently prayed. It was a long shot seeing as there was Klaus's room between where she was and the guards on duty.

"They won't hear you," Matt smirked grabbing her elbow roughly. He dragged the queen and dumped her on the bed.

"Let go of me," she struggled against his grip. Thinking quickly, Caroline kneed him in the groin hoping to loosen his grip.

"Shit," he swore grabbing her tighter. He crawled above her and started ripping her nightgown.

"Klaus," she cried desperately. Her last hope was that he could hear her wherever he was. "Klaus, help me."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Klaus knew what his mother had planned for the evening. He had overheard her talking to Caroline earlier.

"Niklaus, are you alright?" Elijah asked his brother with concern. They were currently hiding under the bushes out of sight in the forest behind the castle. They were preparing to ambush their so-called parents when they went for their stroll and he couldn't have his brother not entirely focus on their mission.

"Yeah," the hybrid shook his head. He could worry about his wife later. The matter at hand was more urgent.

"They're coming," their sister whispered, getting into her position.

Once Mikael and Esther were in sight, the siblings went to work. Rebekah flashed and snapped the necks of their guards within a second while Kol sprayed vervain on their parents.

"What the bloody hell!" Mikael yelled furiously, his skin burning and stinging from the larges doses of vervain.

"It's over mother, father," Niklaus stood before them with his three siblings.

"You can't kill us," Mikael laughed cynically.

"That's where you're wrong." Elijah stepped forward.

Knowing something was off, Mikael ended up attacking first. His first target was Kol as the younger Mikaelson was standing just a few feet away. He snapped his neck with ease before flashing towards his eldest.

Elijah fought him off with all his might, while Rebekah scurried and injected more vervain in his system to weaken him.

"Stop this," Esther demanded her children.

No one listened obviously.

Klaus flashed before her. "Goodbye mother," he said coldly and slammed the white oak stake straight through her heart.

Esther gasped with surprise, never expecting for her children to have the ultimate weapon that could kill them.

"No," Mikael yelled in rage as his wife started to burst into flames. He watched helplessly as Esther went rigid and fell forward in ashes. "I'm gonna kill you boy," he pushed Elijah off him and leaped at Klaus.

Using his hybrid reflexes, Klaus managed to dodge his attack. Mikael growled pouncing on the hybrid once more.

With his werewolf side unleashed, Klaus managed to fight off his advances. It was a gruesome fight. Using all the strength he could muster, Klaus took the opportunity, violently kicking and snapping both of Mikael's knees when Rebekah distracted him.

"You incompetent children," he held back his pain and tried to get to his feet.

Klaus flashed towards him before he had a chance. With a firm grip, Klaus lifted the older vampire and threw him up with all of his force. His back smashed against the wall. Klaus took the opportunity to remove the other stake he had stored inside his jacket.

"Let's end this," Rebekah stated.

Kol who had recovered from his broken neck joined them once more and with Elijah, the brothers flipped Mikael over to his back.

"Any last words, Mikael?"

"You'll regret this," Mikael grunted.

"Go to hell, Mikael," Klaus lifted the stake in the air and aimed for his heart.

With a quick thrust, the hybrid planted the stake in his heart. Mikael gave one last hurl in pain as his body started bursting into flames.

All four siblings hurdled together and watched his body burnt until all was left were a pile of ashes.

"We did it," Kol stated numbly.

"I can't believe it," Rebekah spoke quietly.

"Always and forever, like we promised," Elijah spoke out.

Klaus took a few moments to let the situation to sink in. He still couldn't believe that they had finally gotten rid of them once and for all. After centuries of waiting, they had finally accomplished it. He was still basking in their victory when the thought of a particular blonde drove him out of his victorious giddiness.

"I got to go," he told his siblings. Without another look, the hybrid flashed back towards the castle.

"What the hell Nik," Rebekah yelled after him.

"He's already gone sister," Kol stated.

"Typical of him to let us do his dirty work," Rebekah grimaced, kicking the ashes.

"There's something else on his mind," Elijah looked at his siblings stoically.

"Do enlighten us, Lijah. What else could possibly be more important than celebrating our success?" Rebekah huffed crossing her arms together.

"I'm not sure yet, but let's wait and see," Elijah muttered picking up a dead body.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Caroline was panicking. She screamed and kicked, clawed and scratched at Matt like a wild animal. "Please stop," sobs of despair were beginning to break through her as he tore her nightgown partially off her.

Matt wedged a knee between her thighs and tried to force her legs apart. He yanked on her hair, and the pain was so sharp her eyes watered freely.

Caroline closed her eyes and started praying that this was all a nightmare. All of a sudden, she felt his weight lifted away from her.

Matt looked at her in confusion than back at himself. "I'm sorry, your majesty. I don't know what came over me," he stuttered standing up.

With tears, Caroline grabbed her sheets and wrapped it around herself. "It's…it's fine," she stammered knowing it wasn't. She didn't want Matt to feel guilty, as it wasn't his fault. She knew he was compelled.

"No," Matt answered reaching forward.

She flinched even before Matt could touch her. "I'm really sorry," the lord retreated his hand.

Caroline wasn't able to utter another word when Klaus came bursting into the room. The hybrid stopped when he saw her unshed tears and her frightened stance.

"Caroline, sweetheart," he drawled taking huge steps towards her.

"Your majesty," Matt fumbled to bow to the king.

Klaus looked at him pointedly then back at Caroline's trembling figure. He knew exactly what had transpired or almost transpired between them. He was lucky that Esther's compulsion broke before things got worst.

In a swift move, Klaus had the lord by his throat. "Your majesty," Matt choked. Klaus tightened his grip on his windpipe.

"I should end your existence for what you've just pulled," he looked back at Caroline. He was truly surprised to see Caroline shaking her head, silently telling him to spare the human. He knew his wife was a compassionate and kind individual and spilling the lord's blood right in front of her wasn't ideal considering her current state.

With a growl, Klaus released his hold on Matt, only to grab him by the collar. "You will not remember any of this. You were in here because I summoned you. You never saw Caroline," his pupils dilated, compelling Lord Matthew. "Run along now," he told once he was satisfied the compulsion had worked.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"Are you alright?" he turned his attention towards her. He took a few careful steps to take a seat beside her. "Did he hurt you?" He added when she didn't answer.

"I've been better," she added bitterly still slightly shaken. "Did you know?"

She turned to look at him pointedly.

Klaus felt a lump formed in his throat. What should he say? Admit the truth or lie. " I di..did," he lowered his head.

She laughed grimly," Of course you did."

"Caroline," he moved closer towards her. "I can explain," he placed his hand on her shoulder lightly.

"Don't touch me," she flinched glaring at him.

"I had to take care of some business but I came here immediately," he told her calmly.

"I don't care. Just go away." She wasn't just angry because he didn't appear sooner but also annoyed with herself to put her hope in him. Of course her wellbeing did not matter as much as a business did to him! She must have been delusional to think he actually cared for her.

He didn't backed down though.

Caroline raised her voice, her anger rising now. "Why did you stop him? If my only purpose here is to provide you with a child, why did you send Matt away?"

"Matt?" He bit back. How dare she act so friendly to his men! When he took days for her to stop using formalities towards him!

"Yes, Matt. Was he not good enough? Or did you just realized I'm no use to you even with a child?"

"Enough," he bellowed, his eyes flashing yellow. "How dare you talk to me this way?"

"I'm sorry," her voice laced with sarcasm. "Did I offend his majesty?" Caroline was done taking his temper and his mood swings.

"I said enough," he flashed towards her, his fangs out growling.

Instead of cowering with fear, Caroline was angrier at his stupid display of power. "No," she countered in defiance.

"Don't make me do something I'll regret," he warned threateningly.

"What are you going to do? Kill me? Then do it. It'll be better then having to live with a monster like you."

His anger flared at her insult and before he could register what he was doing, he had sunk his fangs deep into her neck. Hot blood erupted from her and he growled and fastened his mouth over her flesh, sucking it from her, drinking deeply.

Klaus was so clouded with pure rage that if it wasn't for her strangled scream he might have never let go of her.

Caroline felt the immediately sting in her neck, but was too shock to react. It took a couple of seconds to understand what was the caused of it. Her stupid husband had attacked her!

"Aaah," she let out a pained cry.

He tore away from her just as swiftly, wiping away the excess blood on his lips. She tasted delicious better than any blood he had tasted in his five hundred years.

"You…b..bi…bit me?" She yelled accusingly. "How could you?"

"Ca..Caroline." For once Klaus was speechless. He couldn't explain the foreign feeling growing in the pit of his stomach. It couldn't be. Was he actually feeling guilt and remorse?

Holding her bleeding neck with her palm, Caroline looked at him with pure disgust. She thought she saw a flicker of guilt and remorse in his eyes but thought it must have been her imagination. Vampires don't feel remorse. They feed and kill without emotions.

"I'm…" He knew he needed to apologize but his pride was in the way.

"Save it." She snapped.

He hesitantly took a few steps towards her. "Let me help you."

"Get away from me," she yelled.

"You've lost a lot of blood," he told her matter of factly.

"Thanks to you," she grimaced. The wound was hurting and she felt dizzy.

"Let me help you," he offered.

"No," she screamed standing up abruptly and was met with a wave of dizziness. She shook her head and went to move again when the floor shifted from under her feet and she blacked out.

With his quick reflexes, Klaus caught her in his arms as she fainted. He sat her down on her bed. Her face was pale and he wasn't sure whether it was because of the loss of blood or his surprise attack.

He felt the weird feeling in the pit of his stomach grow with each second. He lifted her hair to the side and saw how badly he had bitten her. Blood was still dripping from the four holes his both set of fangs had punctured.

Grabbing a wash cloth and basin from the bathroom, Klaus knew he had to clean the wound first. With gently daps, he wiped the blood off her porcelain neck. He didn't notice it then, but her blood was laced with small doses of vervaine and wolfsbane. He had been so drunk in how delicious her blood tasted before that he didn't notice the faint stings of both poisons entering his system. He didn't understand how her blood could taste so much better than the other humans he had before even with the poison. Her blood tasted beyond euphoric that if it weren't for her cry, he would have undoubtedly drained her. He licked his lips; he could still feel the remains of her blood in his mouth.

Once he had cleaned the wound, he inspected the damage he made. He recoiled seeing how deep he had bitten. Feeling a little disgusted with himself, Klaus lifted her hair up and out of the way. The bottom of her blonde hair was saturated with her blood, and for a man who spent five hundred years drinking the stuff, he was amazed at how thoroughly grossed out he was.

He slowly sat beside her and lifted her into his arms to cradle her head in his chest. He knew the only way to cure a bite this bad was to give her his blood as quickly as possible. He couldn't risk losing her not with all this new and foreign feelings he had for her.

Lifting his wrist up, he gently bit down and held it over her mouth. He dribbled his open wound over her mouth and fed her slowly. At first she didn't swallow, and he had to open and close her mouth manually, but then she started to drink voluntarily.

Caroline didn't know what was happening but she felt something metallic filled her mouth. It tasted weird like blood but somehow there was something different about the texture and flavor. The substance lessened the pain she felt though and with that she fell into a deep slumber.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Caroline was not sure if she was alive. Her body certainly felt real, the pain and pressure on her neck had felt real as well. Her mind felt hazy, disconnected, and her eyelids did not seem to want to open.

Suddenly it came back to her: Matt, Klaus, the bite. Her hand instinctively moved to where he had bitten her only to find the wound healed. How was that possible? Was the whole ordeal just a sick nightmare?

A hand touched her hair, starling her and she jumped up in bed.

"Shh, hey, it's okay. It's me, Klaus."

Was that supposed to make her feel better? Caroline forced her eyes open, certain she was at least alive, but uncertain if she were in imminent danger or not.

"How are you feeling?" He asked staring down at her.

She realized that she had slept in his arms and quickly scurried to the other end of the bed.

"I'm sorry," he told her with sincerity.

Caroline looked up at him in shock. She had never expected him to admit he was at fault let alone apologized.

He cleared his throat uncomfortably. Truthfully, Klaus had never in his entire vampire existence sincerely apologize to anyone before. His pride was too high for him to bent down to admit fault.

Caroline was speechless, she didn't know what to say. She tried to forgive him but couldn't not right now when the wound was still so fresh. "Ok," she said softly.

"I should not have let out my anger on you. You just know how to push me and my control snapped," he knew it wasn't an excuse for his behavior but he needed her to understand.

"Does it still hurt?" He asked.

"Not anymore. How did it heal so fast?"

"I fed you my blood," he told her.

"Your blood?" She scowled.

"Vampire blood has healing properties."

"I see." She answered numbly trying to gather her thoughts. The metallic substance she tasted must have been his blood. "Are there any side effects with it?"

"No, but just be careful."

She looked at him questioningly.

He sighed, "If you die with vampire blood in your system, you become one yourself."

They stared at each other in awkward silence when Klaus finally broke it. "Get some rest then," he stood and turned to leave.

Caroline watched him leave knowing she had a lot to come to terms with tonight.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Six weeks later:

After that dreadful experience, Caroline had avoided interacting with her husband at all cost. There was still a part of her that was scared he might attack her again. Sometimes, she even had nightmares of his fangs in her flesh.

She had only spoken to him when necessary, mainly when they were in the throne room where they ruled. She was lucky their duties were fairly different and the only common duty they had was addressing issues in the throne room.

She had spoken to Matt once after the night but he seemed to have forgotten the whole incident. Life in court was fairing pretty well for the Scottish princess especially after the news of the previous king and queen's downfall was spread.

She knew that Klaus was responsible for their deaths and she should be feeling some form of emotion because of it but she felt nothing. She knew she had changed a lot in the past several weeks. She was no longer the girly princess from Scotland but a rightful English queen.

"Your majesty, the king is waiting for you," a servant bowed.

The royal couple will be travelling to France to announce and solidify their position in the neighboring community. It was the first time she was leaving the castle since she got there and she was slightly excited to finally step outside of English soil. But in saying that, she was also very worried because it meant she would be spending the rest of the next days with Klaus, the man she had been hiding from.

Stepping into the carriage, Caroline saw that Klaus was already settled. "Your majesties, have a safe trip," his right hand man, Marcel bowed and closed the carriage doors.

The carriage ride could only be described as awkward. She tried her best to look outside instead but could feel his gaze on her every now and then. She heard him sighed deeply when they reached the port where they would be boarding his ship to France.

Klaus made his way out of the carriage without bothering about his companion. He knew she didn't want to talk to him, so he didn't bother trying. Making his way up the ship without her, he started summoning the ship crew for a briefing.

Caroline huffed watching the hybrid marched off without her. She was annoyed he didn't even bother to greet her. She got off the carriage alone with some help from the friendly coachman and followed his footsteps.

She walked across the ship and took in the beauty of it. It was her first time on a ship as typically only men were allowed on them. The stereotype was also reflected on the crewmembers as she realized the whole crews were made up of men.

"Your majesty," one of crewmember greeted while passing her.

"Hello." She smiled back and nodded.

When the crew had gotten all their belongings on board, the captain started steering the ship off the port. She was told it would take two to three days depending on the current and weather to arrive at France.

The day went by all right despite the choppy waves. Caroline was lucky she brought a book with her as she was bored after the first couple of hours. The crewmembers were busy leaving her only with her own devices.

By nightfall, Caroline had finished the book. She decided to head into the cabins for a rest. She would have gone to bed earlier but there was another matteror more specifically another person holding her back. She had to share a cabin with Klaus for public appearance and also because they weren't enough cabins for the amount of people on the ship.

She was a bit worried but knew there wasn't much of a choice for her. When she made her way into her cabin, she was surprised to find Klaus inside. "Uhm, hi," she said meekly closing the door behind her.

He looked up from his sketchpad and gave her a brief nod.

She frowned at his rude response but didn't say anything. She moved towards the four trunks sitting at the corner of the room that she brought with her to find something to wear. After finding a nightgown, she proceeded to the bathroom they thankfully had and changed into it. She was going to take a shower at first, but the choppy waves changed her mind.

Once she was done with washing her face and her teeth, she entered the quarters again to find Klaus also getting ready for bed.

"Uhm hmmm," she coughed trying to get his attention.

He turned to look at her in only his underwear. "What do you want Caroline?"

Caroline looked away feeling slightly uncomfortable seeing his naked chest. "Are you sleeping here?"

"Where else would I sleep," he grumbled, lifting the sheets and slipped into the bed.

"Oh." She was contemplating whether she would be better off just sleeping on the floor as the bed looked very small.

"What are you doing?" He sighed deeply.

"Nothing," she stuttered slowly making to the other side of the bed.

"I'm not sleeping on the floor, if that's what you're hoping, forget it."

When she was still standing uncomfortably beside the bed, he continued. "I'm not going to take advantage of you."

Without much choice, Caroline slowly slipped into the bed and turned towards her side.

Klaus could feel the distance she kept between them. He waited until she was asleep before he closed his eyes. Tomorrow would be another long day.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

They slept through the night, and the next morning, Caroline woke up with a jerk as the ship rocked violently. She felt unusually warm despite the cold breeze from the slightly cracked window. She opened her eyes groggily only then did she notice she was face first in Klaus's chest.

Shit! She was snuggled up to his side with one leg and an arm thrown over him, hugging him to her like her own personal body pillow. How did that happen! She remembered falling asleep on her side.

Klaus was on his back, far arm stretched above his head, the other wrapped around her. His face was turned towards hers, eyes closed, jaw whiskered in dark shadow. "I know you're awake," he shifted opening his eyes.

"Were you awake this whole time?"

"Yes," he replied removing his arm from her.

She immediately felt the loss of warm. She desperately wanted to clear the tension between them, she couldn't stand the awkwardness anymore. Finding some courage, she spoke out. "Klaus, can we talk?"

He looked at her and frowned. "If this is about the sleeping arrangements, I'm afraid I can't help."

"That's not it. I know it's been really uncomfortable between us these past few weeks but I was hoping we can work past it."

Seeing that she got his full attention, she continued. "What you did the other night…"

"Why are you bringing that up again?" He stood up abruptly, sliding his hand over his messy hair.

"Let me finish please. I know you didn't do it intentionally and I forgive you. You did save me after all."

"What are you saying Caroline?"

"If we don't stop this thing between us, everyone would know the truth sooner or later. We're supposed to be a couple not some strangers who can't even stand speaking to one another. I'm willing to look past your actions if you can to. It isn't going to get any easier if we don't try."

She had a point. "Fine," he nodded knowing it would help with the unresolved tension they had between them now.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Caroline remained in the cabin after she had finished eating the simple breakfast the crew had served. The ship rocked from side to side frequently due to the choppy waves. She had started feeling nauseated after breakfast, which was why she returned to her cabin to lie down.

Klaus came in a little later to check on her. "Are you alright?"

"Mmm, just feeling a bit ill."

"You're suffering from seasickness."

"How are you fine?"

"I'm a vampire. Vampires don't fall sick."

She grimaced, "Do you know anyway to make it go away?"

He shook his head. "Unfortunately, no."

"Great," she remarked snidely.

Despite her feeling weak from the illness, Caroline had found her time at sea enjoyable due to Klaus's company. Who would have thought? The hybrid had tried taking her mind off through conversations, jokes and even stories. She hated to admit it but Klaus seemed so different than the man she was married to.

"Is this really you?" She asked on the third day.

"What?"

"This funny, caring man here, is it really you? Or are you just pretending for my sake?"

"I'm still the original hybrid that kills people if that's what you're asking, but that's not the only side of me."

"I can see that. Why don't you show this side of you more often?"

"Because people respect me more because of fear," he told her.

"There's other ways to earn loyalty. My people adored me because I'm nice to them," she told him.

"Well sweetheart, your perspective will change if you've been around for as long as I have."

"Can I ask you something?" Caroline asked after a couple of silent minutes.

He nodded.

"When Matt was throwing himself on me, he suddenly stopped and couldn't remember what he was doing. Why is that?"

"The compulsion placed on him was broke."

"Compulsions can be broken?" She asked surprised. "How?"

"By killing the vampire that placed it."

Caroline started processing this new information and looked up at him. "You killed your parents during that night?"

It was obvious which night the blonde was referring to. "Yes."

"Oh."

Caroline was going to ask him to explain it more to her when a crewmember knocked on their cabin door. "Your Majesties, we will soon be in France!"

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

T.B.C

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Hopefully this chapter was up to usual standards! *cringed*

I had a harder time writing this chapter due to the (almost) rape scene.

Anyways, I'll love to hear what you think. The next few chapters will be different and more interesting ;)

XOXO

suzypyong